Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited Germany for talks with Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The leaders signed an agreement on sharing digital battlefield data and developing drones.
Details
On April 14, Zelenskyy arrived in Berlin, according to Ukrinform. His visit includes talks with Merz as well as participation in Ukrainian-German intergovernmental consultations. Later the same day, Zelenskyy is also expected to visit Norway for talks with Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.
Meanwhile, Merz stressed that support for Ukraine remains one of Germany’s key foreign policy priorities. Berlin is also working to unblock a €90 billion EU loan for Ukraine.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy commented on the meeting, stressing that amid shifting geopolitical dynamics, it is important for Europe to stand up for its way of life and core values.
“Germany is a key leader in supporting Ukraine and protecting lives – it is Germany that ranks number one in Europe in terms of assistance to our defense,” he wrote on social media.
Refugee return and new military deal
Merz said Germany should encourage the return of young Ukrainian men who moved there. He made the statement during a joint press conference with Zelenskyy after their talks. According to him, Germany will support the return of Ukrainian citizens who sought refuge, as Ukraine needs them for defense. Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Germany has taken in more than one million Ukrainian refugees.
At the same time, Ukraine and Germany signed an agreement to exchange digital combat data. The goal is to develop new weapons systems. Merz noted that joint work between Ukraine and Europe strengthens European independence. In addition, the countries agreed to co-develop drones. According to Merz, cooperation with Ukraine benefits Germany’s own security.
“We benefit from the Ukrainian army’s resilience,” he said, adding that “Russia has no chance of winning this war.”
Peace and EU membership
The German chancellor also called for a “lasting peace” for Ukraine. He expressed support for Ukraine’s fast-track accession to the EU.
“Germany supports this goal. Even if we both know that we won’t be able to achieve this immediately,” Merz said.
However, he also urged Zelenskyy to continue reforms, particularly in fighting corruption and strengthening democracy. According to Merz, every step in this direction brings Ukraine closer to Europe. He added that Ukraine’s future EU membership would be a “strategically important step for more security and greater prosperity in Europe”.
Earlier, The Ukrainian Review reported that some EU countries do not support fast-track accession for new members, including Ukraine. According to Politico, Germany is among them. While Berlin acknowledges the pressure Ukraine faces, it insists the accession process should follow standard rules without exceptions.
